The right
Application
Where and how you apply to a Saxon university depends primarily on your choice of degree programme or combination of subjects.
Admission restrictions
Do you meet all the requirements for studying in Saxony? Then you need to find out whether your chosen degree programme has open or restricted admission. As a rule, you can enrol for open-admission degree programmes directly at the relevant university. However, if you choose a subject with admission restrictions, you must first go through an admission procedure. A distinction is also made between local regulations, i.e. those set by the respective university itself, and regulations that apply nationwide.
Degree programmes such as medicine or pharmacy are subject to nationwide admission restrictions — in other words, they have a numerus clausus (NC). If you come from an EU or EEA country, you must apply centrally to the Foundation for University Admissions. Some degree programmes also have admission restrictions set by the universities themselves. They are also referred to as NC degree programmes. The universities can define very specific criteria such as selection tests or letters of motivation.
The best way to find out which regulations apply to your chosen degree programme is to check the university websites.
Your documents
You should first find out whether you need to print out your application or submit it online. Most universities in Saxony work with the uni-assist organization for international student applications. Known officially as the Arbeits- und Servicestelle für internationale Studienbewerbungen e. V., the organization checks on behalf of the universities whether the submitted application documents are complete and whether the formal admission requirements for the chosen degree programme have been met. The following documents are usually required:
- an officially certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification certificate,
- an overview of your subjects and grades,
- an officially certified copy of your university entrance examinations certificates obtained abroad and, if available, enrolment or study certificates,
- proof of German language skills if applicable,
- a description of your career to date with a complete tabular overview of your education so far,
- a copy of your passport,
- any other documents or evidence, depending on the requirements of the individual universities.
A quick tip: You can have official certifications issued by the German diplomatic missions abroad in your home country.
Once you have submitted your documents, it’s just a matter of waiting. If you receive a letter of admission for your chosen degree programme, congratulations! This will set out all the information you need about timing, enrolment, etc. so you can get started with your studies in Saxony.
If you receive a letter of rejection, don’t despair just yet. This will explain all about the waiting list and the clearing procedure. If, for example, other applicants do not take up their offer of a study place, you will be given the chance to move up the list and get a place at short notice.
Deadlines
It is very important to stick to the application deadlines. The application period for the winter semester runs from April or May to July 15 at most universities in Saxony. Occasionally you can also apply for the summer semester from December to January 15. Notifications are then sent out from August or February. Rejections usually come a little later.